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Build Financial Management Skills during Money Smart Week 2013

AMES, Iowa — Iowans have a chance to brush up on money management skills during the 12th annual Money Smart Week, April 20-27. Financial institutions, government agencies, not-for-profit organizations and community groups have teamed up to offer a full week of events across the state designed to help Iowans of all ages better manage their finances. Special events and classes will be offered in Council Bluffs, Creston, Harlan, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque and the Quad Cities.

“Every year Iowa State University Extension and Outreach takes an active role in Money Smart Week activities across the state to help present useful financial information to Iowans of all ages. Put it on your calendar and learn something new to help you manage your money,” said Margaret Van Ginkel, an ISU Extension family finance specialist.

The week kicks off with the Money Smart Investor Conference, Saturday, April 20 at Drake University Olmstead Center from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Keynote speaker Josh Peters, equities strategist with Morningstar Inc., will discuss how a small investor can find safety and quality in the stock market.

A Financial Wellness Expo will take place after the conference starting at 12:30 p.m. Financial experts will have displays and offer prizes. A panel of experts, including ISU Extension and Outreach specialists, will address consumer fraud issues, helping children learn about finances, understanding 401K plans and college loan programs. More information about the conference and expo and registration is available at www.moneysmartconference.com.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and Iowa Money Smart Week partners will be offering free financial seminars throughout the week to help Iowans enhance their personal money management skills, Van Ginkel said. Topics range from home-buying basics and financial literacy for youth to retirement planning and investment options for Senior Citizens. All events are free of charge and do not include sales pitches.

A full calendar of Money Smart Week events in Iowa is available at www.moneysmartweek.org. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago has sponsored Money Smart Week since 2002.